Introduction
Spinach and feta puff pastry triangles are one of the most delightful savory pastries you can make at home. They combine the rich flakiness of golden puff pastry with the fresh, slightly tangy flavor of spinach and creamy feta cheese. These pastries are ideal for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or even as a party appetizer. Their elegant appearance, paired with their indulgent taste, makes them a popular favorite in both home kitchens and professional bakeries.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients and a few steps, you can create a dish that feels gourmet and sophisticated. They are easily customizable, freezer-friendly, and crowd-pleasing. Whether you are a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is easy to follow and delivers excellent results every time.
Ingredients
For 12 Triangles:
- 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed if frozen
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves (or 1 cup cooked, squeezed dry)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 1/2 small onion, finely chopped (optional)
- 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
- 3/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup ricotta or cream cheese (optional for creamier filling)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Black sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or nigella seeds (optional for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
- In a skillet over medium heat, warm olive oil or butter.
- Add the chopped onion and cook for 3 to 5 minutes until soft and translucent. Add garlic and cook for another minute if using.
- Add the spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 to 3 minutes. If using frozen spinach, thaw completely and squeeze out all excess moisture before adding to the pan.
- Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly.
- Stir in the crumbled feta and optional ricotta or cream cheese. Mix until evenly combined.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Be careful with the salt since feta is naturally salty.
- Set the mixture aside to cool fully.
Step 2: Prepare the Puff Pastry
- Lightly flour a clean surface and unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet.
- Roll it out slightly if it is too thick, maintaining a rectangular shape.
- Spread the spinach and feta mixture evenly over half of the pastry, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Fold the other half of the pastry over the filling like a blanket, pressing lightly to seal.
- Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the folded sheet into triangle shapes or squares, depending on your preferred design.
- Press the edges with a fork if desired to seal more tightly.
Step 3: Bake
- Preheat your oven to 400°F or 200°C.
- Line a baking tray with parchment paper and place the pastries on the tray, leaving space between them for expansion.
- Brush the tops of the pastries with the beaten egg for a golden, shiny finish.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or nigella seeds on top if desired.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes or until puffed up and golden brown.
- Let them cool slightly before serving.
Flavor and Texture
Spinach and feta puff pastry triangles deliver a flavorful blend of earthy, salty, creamy, and buttery notes. The spinach provides a fresh and slightly grassy undertone, while the feta contributes a salty tang that balances the richness of the cheese and pastry.
The outer crust is golden, flaky, and slightly crisp, contrasting beautifully with the soft and creamy filling inside. Every bite is a blend of texture and taste, making them a deeply satisfying pastry to enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Variations
1. Cheese Choices
While feta is traditional, you can use goat cheese, cottage cheese, mozzarella, or a blend for a different flavor profile. Cream cheese adds a creamier texture.
2. Greens Substitutes
Try replacing spinach with kale, Swiss chard, or arugula. Just be sure to cook and drain them properly to avoid sogginess.
3. Add Protein
Add chopped cooked chicken, ground beef, or smoked salmon to turn these into a heartier meal.
4. Spice It Up
Add crushed red pepper flakes, black pepper, paprika, or fresh herbs like dill, thyme, or oregano for a burst of flavor.
5. Vegan Option
Use dairy-free cheese alternatives and puff pastry made without butter to make these vegan-friendly.
6. Sweet-Savory Combo
Add a spoon of caramelized onions or sun-dried tomatoes to add a sweet contrast to the salty feta.
Serving Suggestions
These pastries are incredibly versatile and can be served in many ways:
- As a breakfast item with coffee or tea
- As a brunch platter alongside fruit, eggs, or yogurt
- As a lunchbox snack or school meal
- As appetizers or finger food for parties and gatherings
- With a green salad and soup for a light dinner
They can be served warm or cold and reheat well without losing texture or taste.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerator:
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven to restore crispness.
Freezer:
These pastries freeze beautifully. Once cooled, place them in a single layer on a tray and freeze. Once frozen solid, transfer to freezer bags or containers. They will last up to 2 months.
Reheating from Frozen:
Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 to 20 minutes or until warmed through and crisp.
Nutrition (Per Piece Approximate)
- Calories: 170 to 220
- Protein: 5 to 7 grams
- Carbohydrates: 12 to 15 grams
- Fat: 12 to 15 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Sodium: 250 to 350 mg
This can vary depending on the brand of puff pastry and amount of cheese used.
Cooking Tips
- Always drain cooked spinach thoroughly. Extra water in the filling can make the pastry soggy.
- Use parchment paper on the baking tray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Thaw puff pastry in the refrigerator, not at room temperature. This keeps it firm and easier to work with.
- Do not overfill the pastry. It can cause the filling to spill out during baking.
- Seal the edges well. If necessary, use a little water or egg wash to help bind the edges.
- Bake until golden and puffed. Underbaking will result in a chewy and undercooked texture.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe is a beautiful example of how simple ingredients can come together to make a luxurious dish. The convenience of store-bought puff pastry, combined with fresh greens and creamy cheese, allows you to create something impressive without needing advanced culinary skills.
It is an excellent recipe for using up leftover greens or cheese and can be doubled or tripled for events. It also fits many diets and preferences with small adjustments.
Common Questions
Can I make these in advance?
Yes. You can prepare them, refrigerate, and bake within 24 hours. Or freeze them before baking and bake straight from frozen, adding 5 to 7 extra minutes.
Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes. Just thaw and drain it completely before mixing with cheese.
Can I serve them cold?
They taste best warm but can be served at room temperature for picnics or parties.
Can I use filo dough instead of puff pastry?
Yes, but the technique is slightly different. Filo dough needs to be layered with melted butter or oil and creates a crispier, thinner shell.
Final Thoughts
Spinach and feta puff pastry triangles are the perfect balance of convenience, elegance, and taste. With a flaky crust and creamy, savory filling, they are an ideal addition to any meal or event. Their adaptability to different tastes and ingredients makes them a staple recipe in any cook’s kitchen.
Whether you are baking them for guests, preparing a week’s worth of snacks, or just treating yourself to something warm and delicious, these pastries will always deliver. Keep puff pastry in your freezer and some cheese in your fridge, and you will always be ready to create this delightful treat with minimal effort.